GAMES Anderlecht secured fourth place in the league with a 3-1 win. The purple-and-whites were not at their best, but proved very efficient before the interval. Sikan tucked away the only two clear chances in the first 45 minutes. After the break STVV worked their way back into the game with a late 2-1, but Bertaccini erased all doubts on the counter.
That fourth place grants Anderlecht a spot in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. Many supporters must have breathed a huge sigh of relief when Adriano Bertaccini was sent clean through by Maamar in stoppage time. Despite a comfortable 2-0 lead, the purple-and-whites had made life difficult for themselves. Anderlecht led 2-0 at halftime but were far from convincing. The first half lacked drive and at times resembled a pre-season friendly.
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Continue reading Yet Anderlecht took the lead out of the blue. After another injury to Camara, substitute Sardella delivered a cross. Through a scramble the ball fell to Sikan, who struck immediately in the 19th minute. STVV were not at their best, but Muja and Yamamoto still created a few openings. Coosemans had to use his arm to prevent an equaliser. In added time before the break Anderlecht doubled their lead when a corner dropped to Sikan's feet; the Ukrainian did not hesitate and neatly made it 2-0.
After half time Sikan remained active and headed an early chance straight at Lendfers. Mbe Soh's header at the other end was even more dangerous and flew just wide. Anderlecht steadied themselves as STVV pressed more. Substitute Hazard hesitated fractionally on a pass from Degreef. STVV introduced Goto and continued to push, and Anderlecht began to retreat too deep. The expected consequence came fifteen minutes from time when Sissako headed in a cross from Matsuzawa to make it 2-1, bringing Anderlecht back into trouble.
STVV kept pressing and Goto nodded another cross over the bar. But Bertaccini settled the contest against his former club when Maamar cleverly slipped him through for a solo run on goal. Thus Anderlecht's campaign ends with fourth place. It is the first time Anderlecht have taken points in these Champions' Play-offs against a top-three club.
On Sunday Anderlecht face Union in the final matchday.
